Aarland, M. (2023). Digital Supply Chain Cyber Risks in the Power Industry: A resilience framework. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (p. 1080). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: The goal of this industrial PhD is to investigate how to include resilience into a cyber-security strategy to safeguard vital infrastructure. Critical infrastructure is increasingly susceptible since businesses are using technology more often. These infrastructures are also components of a vast, integrated, and increasing digital supply chain that transcends national boundaries, adding to the difficulties. A bigger attack surface where an attacker might use vulnerabilities contained in suppliers' and sub suppliers' chains could come from this extension of the digital supply chain. The study will add to our understanding of how to manage intricate supply chains in critical infrastructure with stringent dependability requirements. The digitalization processes in the supply chain include changes to the organizational structure, necessitating a robust strategy for continual improvement. The research question for this project is as follows: How can a resilience framework contribute to managing the complex digital supply chain for stakeholders in the power industry? The system dynamic (SD) approach will be used to generate a simulation based on the findings from each of the methods. Previous supply chain research has demonstrated that SD modelling is an effective strategy for building resilience in supply networks. To comprehend and examine the behavior of dynamic and complex systems, the notion of SD was established. The theory of system dynamics is based on the idea that actions done in systems will change the system, which will then lead to new actions. To collect primary data the qualitative method chosen as most suitable the semi-structured interview. To understand a social phenomenon, one needs to listen to people who reflect on their own experiences, knowledge, and motivation. Through interviews, it is possible to go into depth on the phenomenon and gather complex and rich data that is not available through literature review only. Contributions from this Ph.D. study are grouped into two categories: academia and organization. Further understanding regarding supply chain vulnerability and the implementation of potential techniques and ideas in novel contexts are academic contributions. The development of the resilience framework, which aims to address the difficult problem of managing stakeholders in the digital supply chain, is a contribution made by the organizations. The goal for CIs is to have resilient DSCs that can withstand and improve from high-pressure situations. Improving DSC resilience requires an understanding of the supply chain network that includes suppliers’ and their sub-suppliers’ incentives, all the way to its downstream customers’ incentives. By understanding the structure of the system, the ability to ascertain the behavior of the system increases, providing opportunities to better manage the system. If we can harness the positive incentives for collaboration and social connection the road to a more resilient CI that is available when the society require it becomes easier.
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Abhish Khanal, Deepak Chand, Prakash Chaudhary, Subash Timilsina, Sanjeeb Prasad Panday, Aman Shakya, et al. (2020). Search Disaster Victims using Sound Source Localization. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1022–1030). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Sound Source Localization (SSL) are used to estimate the position of sound sources. Various methods have been used for detecting sound and its localization. This paper presents a system for stationary sound source localization by cubical microphone array consisting of eight microphones placed on four vertical adjacent faces which is mounted on three wheel omni-directional drive for the inspection and monitoring of the disaster victims in disaster areas. The proposed method localizes sound source on a 3D space by grid search method using Generalized Cross Correlation Phase Transform (GCC-PHAT) which is robust when operating in real life scenario where there is lack of visibility. The computed azimuth and elevation angle of victimized human voice are fed to embedded omni-directional drive system which navigates the vehicle automatically towards the stationary sound source.
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Harrison Cole. (2020). Accessible Mitigation Planning: Tactile Hazard Map Design and Evaluation. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1031–1037). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: While creating a community hazard mitigation plan (HMP) has become recognized as a key component of successful disaster management, significant portions of the process are often inaccessible to people with vision disabilities. Maps in particular are often large, visually dense documents that are printed on two-dimensional paper, or distributed via PDF with no alternate text. For people with profound low vision or who are blind, alternative media is required. The research discussed here proposes that tactile maps may present an accessible and cost-effective medium for representing geospatial data relevant to the hazard mitigation planning process. Using flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a starting point, this paper proposes an evaluatory framework for transcribing conventional maps into tactile documents, as well as characterizing users' experiences using them for mitigation planning, directions for future research and generalizing the process for applications in other domains.
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Jaziar Radianti, Terje Gjøsæter, & Weiqin Chen. (2021). Slaying the SA Demons – Humans vs. Technology – A Content Analysis. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 946–958). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we examine Situation Awareness (SA) and the application of Endsley's Demons of SA in different contexts and research areas and perform content analysis to examine how they are used, and to what degree they are perceived as stemming from human error or weaknesses in technology and if any suggestions for mitigation are primarily focused on the human or the technology side. Based on our findings, we propose universal design as a tool that can counter the effects of the demons of SA by improving the usability and accessibility of SA-supporting technology and thereby removing barriers to SA, rather than challenging the users to overcome not only barriers that are a result of the complexity of the situation itself, but also additional barriers that are caused by inferior and suboptimal design of the technology in use.
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Jelle Groenendaal, & Ira Helsloot. (2021). Why Technology Not Always Adds Value to Crisis Managers During Crisis: The Case of The Dutch Nation-Wide Crisis Management System LCMS. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 936–945). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Technology undeniably plays an important role in supporting crisis managers to respond to crisis. However, when improperly designed or used, technology can be ineffective or even be detrimental to the crisis response. Therefore, in this paper we bring together insights from the scientific literature and identify 5 principles for the design and use of technology to aid crisis managers effectively. These principles might seem trivial but there are several examples of technology used in practice that show the opposite. To illustrate this, we use as a case study the Dutch nation-wide crisis management system LCMS which is used in the Netherlands by all safety regions and other public organizations to maintain and share a common operational picture supporting large-scale crisis management collaboration. We explain why crisis evaluations and research time and again show that LCMS has failed to add value for crisis managers during crisis by using the identified principles.
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John Sören Pettersson. (2022). Key Concepts for Effective Use of Digital-supported Table-top Crisis Management Exercises. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 864–875). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Several researchers and contingency agencies have suggested good practices for crisis management exercises. Resource-constrained practitioners in the field report difficulties finding cost-efficient ways to maintain exercise cycles. This paper draws on experiences from working with professional crisis response coordinators who adapted material for table-top exercises to learning management systems, executed the exercises and evaluated team performance. This paper discusses the elimination of bottlenecks and unexpected benefits arising from more flexible exercise designs in terms of synchrony, continuity, and location. While these concepts capture the essence of the various opportunities for flexibility, they need some supporting features in the design of digital exercises. This paper argues for putting emphasis on the writing/speech dichotomy when analysing exercise designs from the perspective of the entire exercise life cycle, including evaluations and preparations for further exercises. Additionally, how requests for individual answers are planned appears to be an effective instrument for efficient exercise design and evaluation during the conducting of an exercise.
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Johnny Douvinet. (2022). Evaluating the Public’s Reaction to Simulated Alerts on Mobile Phones in France: Scale Effects, and Challenges. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 847–862). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: In case of sudden and extreme life-threatening situation, the most efficient system fulfils the requirement of mobile phone emergency alerting information services. But how much information and what type of content must be used in a textual message, and how adapt this alert to a large audience and diversified contexts? This paper proposes to address this challenge, 1) by presenting results obtained in France during simulated “alerting days”, with sampling revealing the perception and understanding of SMS and CB by a non-specialized audience (161 respondents), and 2) by comparing findings obtained in different contexts (students and teaching staff in a university, crisis managers and stakeholders in an industrial context, citizens working near high-risky areas). Even if reactions to an alert are individual, similar patterns emerge, suggesting that standardized and non-random needs exist.
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Jonas Höchst, Lars Baumgartner, Franz Kuntke, Alvar Penning, Artur Sterz, & Bernd Freisleben. (2020). LoRa-based Device-to-Device Smartphone Communication for Crisis Scenarios. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 996–1011). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an approach to facilitate long-range device-to-device communication via smartphones in crisis scenarios. Through a custom firmware for low-cost LoRa capable micro-controller boards, called rf95modem, common devices for end users can be enabled to use LoRa through a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or serial connection. We present two applications utilizing the flexibility provided by the proposed firmware. First, we introduce a novel device-to-device LoRa chat application that works a) on the two major mobile platforms Android and iOS and b) on traditional computers like notebooks using a console-based interface. Second, we demonstrate how other infrastructure-less technology can benefit from our approach by integrating it into the DTN7 delay-tolerant networking software. The firmware, the device-to-device chat application, the integration into DTN7, as well as the experimental evaluation code fragments are available under permissive open-source licenses.
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Katelynn Kapalo, Kevin Pfeil, Joseph Bonnell, & Joseph LaViola. (2022). Evaluating the Impact of 2D vs. 3D Building Plans for Fireground Incident Command Decision-Making. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 824–835). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Building construction and building layout represent two key critical pieces of information for a fire suppression operation. However, fireground incident commanders (FGCs) frequently do not have access to critical, updated information about a structure, including details that could potentially support more effective response. This gap in the information pipeline has led to significant injuries and fatalities for both civilians and first responders. Towards this end, this paper focuses on evaluating the efficacy of a user interface prototype for supporting decision-making during a simulated commercial structure fire. Sixty-four firefighters (n = 64) from North America participated in this study. Overall, there were no statistical differences in the performance of the firefighters between the two experimental conditions (2D vs. 3D). This study provides preliminary support for the use of 3D models in pre-incident planning practices. More importantly, this initial data serves as a baseline for the development of evidence-based standards for displaying pre-incident planning information to FGCs digitally.
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Kuntke, F., Baumgartner, L., & Reuter, C. (2023). Rural Communication in Outage Scenarios: Disruption-Tolerant Networking via LoRaWAN Setups. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 975–988). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Since communications infrastructure is subject to many impacts, e.g., destructive natural events, it can potentially collapse at any time. Especially in rural areas, the recovery of public network infrastructure can take some time, so a dedicated communication channel would be advantageous. We explore the possibility of transforming commodity LoRaWAN gateways into meshed network nodes for a digital emergency communication channel. In order to obtain the required parameters, we collected farm locations in Germany with OpenStreetMap. Based on the assumptions of LoRa communication range and considering our use case requirements, connecting farm communities seems theoretically feasible in many areas of our data set. To further analyze our idea, we ran simulations of two common DTN routing protocols with different scenarios. A proof-of-concept implementation allows smaller messages to be transmitted using real hardware and demonstrates that a decentralized communications infrastructure based on commodity hardware is possible.
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Laura Petersen, Grigore M. Havarneanu, Natasha McCrone, Garegin Markarian, Åsa Burlin, & Per-Erik Johansson. (2022). CBRNe, a Universally Designed App for That? In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 836–846). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: While a wide range of disaster apps are currently available, few address the topic of CBRNe (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive) risks and threats. The proven value of disaster apps in emergency management and the unique ways in which citizens prepare for and respond to CBRNe incidents merit that such an app exist. However, disaster apps also have their limitations, namely uptake and accessibility. The PROACTIVE project is filling these gaps by co-creating together with vulnerable groups an accessible CBRNe disaster app. This article examines the results from four workshops held with the potential end-users recruited from vulnerable groups. Following the MoSCoW methodology, requirements were established and their relevance to the Universal Design principles discussed. For instance, it was found that the app Must have a less chaotic interface which would help meet the principle of simple and intuitive use. Lastly, the app redesign is showcased.
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Laura Petersen, Grigore M. Havarneanu, Natasha McCrone, Garik Markarian, & George Kolev. (2021). Universal Design & the PROACTIVE project CBRNe app. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 959–966). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: A wide range of disaster apps are currently available on various app stores, however few existing disaster apps address the issue of CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) threats. The unique ways in which citizens prepare for and respond to CBRNe incidents merit that such an app exist. But citizens are not a homogenous group, and therefore the concept of universal design will be implemented when filling this gap. The EU H2020 PROACTIVE project will address this by co-creating together with citizens, including vulnerable groups, a disaster app able to be used during CBRNe incidents. This article lays out the methodology X will employ in order to create and validate the disaster app and states some core requirements already co-developed
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Lucia Castro Herrera, & Terje Gjøsæter. (2022). Community Segmentation and Inclusive Social Media Listening. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1012–1023). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Social media analytics provide a generalized picture of situational awareness from the conversations happening among communities present in social media channels that are that are, or risk being affected by crises. The generalized nature of results from these analytics leaves underrepresented communities in the background. When considering social media analytics, concerns, sentiment, and needs are perceived as homogenous. However, offline, the community is diverse, often segmented by age group, occupation, or language, to name a few. Through our analysis of interviews from professionals using social media as a source of information in public service organizations, we argue that practitioners might not be perceiving this segmentation from the social media conversation. In addition, practitioners who are aware of this limitation, agree that there is room for improvement and resort to alternative mechanisms to understand, reach, and provide services to these communities in need. Thus, we analyze current perceptions and activities around segmentation and provide suggestions that could inform the design of social media analytics tools that support inclusive public services for all, including persons with disabilities and from other disadvantaged groups.
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Petersen, L., Havarneanu, G., McCrone, N., & Markarian, G. (2023). Practitioner Perspectives of the PROACTIVE CBRNe Disaster App. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 13–19). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: To help practitioners better meet the needs of the public at large when managing diverse groups of people during a CBRNe (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive) incident, the PROACTIVE project is developing a CBRNe smartphone disaster app which aims to improve the efficiency of the communication between law enforcement agencies, policy makers and citizens. By using a co-creation methodology with both civil society organisations and CBRNe practitioners, PROACTIVE ensures the app will meet the needs and expectations of both end-user groups. This work-in-progress paper focuses on a workshop carried out with practitioners to test the first mobile app prototype. The results demonstrate that the prototype mobile app is in line with practitioners expectations but that there is room for improvement, such as more visuals, and new features, such as translation, should be added. Looking forward, the app will be updated before being tested in upcoming field training exercises.
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Pouyan Fotouhi Tehrani, Niklas von Kalckreuth, & Selma Lamprecht. (2020). Toward an Integrative Model of Trust for Digital Emergency Communication. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1012–1021). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Digital technologies have become an integral enabler of communication during various phases of emergency management (EM). A crucial prerequisite of effective communication between authorities and the public during EM is the establishment of adequate mutual trust. Trust, however, is an elusive concept which is not easily translatable into technical settings. In this paper we propose an integrative model of trust in digital communication and show how such model can be advantageous in assessing and improving trust relations in context of EM. Our interdisciplinary model, which is based on findings from psychology, sociology and computer sciences provides an abstraction which not only seizes both subjective and objective as well as personal and non-personal, \eg institutional or cultural, aspects of trust but at the same time is concrete enough to be applicable to real-life scenarios.
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Steen-Tveit, K., Snaprud, M. H., Heinecke, J. E., & Fure Nora. (2023). Towards a Co-Created Emergency Management Collaboration Repository. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 20–32). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: The need for information systems (ISs) to aid emergency management (EM) has been well established. Yet, despite the acknowledged benefits of ISs for EM, the support of ISs in the preparedness phase is weak. Complex EM operations require coordinated efforts across emergency organizations, which are facing enormous challenges related to the method of collaboration to cope with the impact. This paper presents an ongoing project initiated to develop an emergency management collaboration repository for a range of emergency responders, focusing on emergency cross-organizational collaboration, information sharing, exercises, and evaluations. A participatory design approach was applied for the system requirements elicitation and was carried out in two workshops with several EM stakeholders.
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Terje Gjøsæter, Jaziar Radianti, & Weiqin Chen. (2020). Towards Situational Disability-aware Universally Designed Information Support Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1038–1047). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This paper takes on the challenge of designing situational awareness information systems that take into account not only the prevalence of so-called demons of situational awareness, but also situational disabilities that will typically occur in a disaster situation, both in the control room and in the field among the general public as well as first responders. It further outlines how a situational awareness information system process model can be adapted and used as a basis for designing situational awareness information support systems that address these issues with the help of Universal Design principles.
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Tikka, M., Ahsanullah, R., Varanasi, U., Härmä, V., Sawhney, N., & Leinonen, T. (2023). Contextual Inquiry of Affordances for Collaboration in Crisis: Lessons from the Finnish Context. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 33–42). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic followed by the energy crisis in Europe demonstrates how complex crises can be. Being embedded in a digital media environment and global interdependencies, complex crises elude straightforward interpretations and explanations. Nonetheless, crises require fast and coordinated response from multiple public authorities. In recent years, advances in computational methods and information technology have influenced the field of crisis and disaster management, and diverse technical approaches have been developed to enhance authorities’ response to crises. Drawing on a relational approach to crises, we investigate the socio-technical affordances emerging in Finland to facilitate multi-actor collaboration in crises. Based on our analysis, we argue that contemporary practices and technologies do not match with the complexity of recent crises. Taken together, we consider the role of digital technologies and socio-technical practices to better support multi-actor sensemaking and collaboration in future crises.
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Tsai, C. - H., Rayi, P., Kadire, S., Wang, Y. - F., Krafka, S., Zendejas, E., et al. (2023). Co-Design Disaster Management Chatbot with Indigenous Communities. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 1–12). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted by rising disaster risk, climate change, and environmental degradation due to their close relationship with the environment and its resources. Unfortunately, gathering the necessary information or evidence to request or co-share sufficient funds can be challenging for indigenous people and their lands. This paper aims to co-design an AI-based chatbot with two tribes and investigate their perception and experience of using it in disaster reporting practices. The study was conducted in two stages. Firstly, we interviewed experienced first-line emergency managers and invited tribal members to an in-person design workshop. Secondly, based on qualitative analysis, we identified three themes of emergency communication, documentation, and user experience. Our findings support that indigenous communities favored the proposed Emergency Reporter chatbot solution. We further discussed how the proposed chatbot could empower the tribes in disaster management, preserve sovereignty, and seek support from other agencies.
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